A/N: Hello once again my fanfic friends! This is my entry for the "Dealer's Choice Challenge" at Chit Chat on Author's Corner. A very special thanks to FlashPenguin, who submitted this prompt. This story nearly wrote itself and has taken me on an emotional roller coaster in the process. I made myself cry on more than one occasion while writing this. And thanks to Ilovetvalot and Tonnie2001969 for creating this challenge forum. It is thoroughly enjoyable.

WARNING: Major Character Death. *leaves boxes of tissues and runs away*

Prompt

Pairing: Hotch/Rossi

Three items to include: A locket, a ring, a cemetery

The Beauty And Sorrow Of Love

David Rossi sat alone on the white concrete bench under a tree in the cemetery in front of the still fresh grave of the only person he'd ever truly loved. He was flooded with memories of the last 12 years of his life…an incredible life he never thought he could ever have, a life he did not think he deserved.

Retirement suited him much better this time around. Ten years he'd made it this time, without so much as a moment's though to going back to the BAU. Of course, this time around, he had someone very special coming home to him every night… Aaron.

Twelve years they had been together, and they had been the best 12 years of his life. A few months after Dave's retirement, Aaron and Jack moved into Little Creek. They were married shortly thereafter. Aaron gave him everything he ever wanted but could never find in a relationship; unconditional love, understanding, the chance to show his weaknesses and vulnerabilities without judgment. And for Aaron, Dave could be the one person in the world he didn't have to hide from. He could relax and let down his protective shields. He could be expressive, emotional. He could smile. Dave loved to see Aaron smile.

Aaron also awarded Dave the chance to experience fatherhood. Jack was only six when they moved in. He'd had the joy and terror of watching the exuberant child grow into an incredible young man. Now 15, Jack Hotchner was the spitting image of his father in nearly every way, with the exception of his mother's expressive blue eyes. Dave had been honored and nearly brought to tears when, at 10 years old, Jack and Aaron approached him with the idea of adopting Jack, officially making him their son. There was never any hesitation in his answer, but Jack's excitement sealed the deal. Jack started calling him "Pop" shortly after that, and it stuck.

Aaron was still with the BAU, but at 55 years old, he was finally considering the idea of retirement. After several long nights discussing the pros and cons, he'd finally decided to make it official at the end of the year. He had three months to go when disaster struck.